Daily rates for doc shooters Los Angeles

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dbmiller

New member
I'm in the process of budgeting a doc for a non-profit that would be shot in Latin America in 2008 and 2009, for which I would need to hire an experienced doc cinematographer. There would be a total of 5 shoots, each lasting 10 days, with 2 travel days for each shoot (1 day leaving from Los Angeles, 1 day returning to Los Angeles, gone a total of 12 days per shoot).

I know that rates vary tremendously and that it's a long way off, but for the purpose of budgeting, what would be a reasonable rate to put in the budget for labor (NOT equipment, just labor) to be sure I'd be able to hire an experienced doc cinematographer?

Thanks

(Cross-posted in Journalism/Documentary)
 
I think for that much work you can budget 450.00/day and 1/2 day travel pay. OF course prices could go up by then. Also remeber to budget lodging and perdiem.
 
I would say allow $500 a day. I dont do 1/2 days for travel as it's not like you can work anywhere else on that day, so full rate should apply. As Gopher said dont forget p.d.'s which should be about $30-$50 a day.
 
In my experience up in San Francisco I wouldn't budget less than $600/day for a truly experienced cameraman and rates finally seem to be going up these days , so i generally get at least $700 now. You will always find people for less, but it depends on your comfort level with their level of experience.


Travel days are usually billed @ 1/2 day rate which is actually 2/3 to 70% of full rate. I always charge 70%

I agree that travel days shouldn't be cheaper, in fact they are often longer and more unpleasant but its hard to fight that battle most of the time as it seems to be generally accepted.

That said if its an interesting shoot with 12 days in a row then maybe people will make deals and $500/ is not out of line but I would budget for $600 if you can.

What's the shoot about?

Lenny Levy
 
If you're shipping them out of the country anyway, you might save some coin by hiring people from other parts of the US.
 
I've done two docs so far and I'll shoot your doc for $350/day plus all expenses... I can't guarantee that rate by 2008/2009... but blocks of shooting usually will get you a better rate overall (negotiate blocks of work like you would negotiate blocks of rental)... meaning while I may get $500/day for 1 or 2 days... if somebody books a block I'll give them a better deal... plus, if I'm interested in the gig or the associated travel, then I'll give them a better rate.

On the docs I've done so far I've been a one-man band also... meaning that you supply the producer (which will double as interviewer and director) and I will be camera, lighting, sound, DP, etc. etc. It's worth noting that this INCLUDES gear by the way.

The two most prominant docs I've done so far are available through www.medsandfoodforkids.org which is a malnutrition doc and a doc on eating disorders for www.mccallumplace.com in Clayton, Missouri. Ironic that one doc was about people who don't get enough to eat and the other was about people who choose not to eat enough... The doc for meds and food had me in the mountains of Haiti for 12 days... the eating disorder doc had me from Florida to Missouri for nearly a year.

EDIT: Let me add that I can hook you up with guys who shoot feature films with a Steadicam (the "real" one... the $60K version... with a Varicam) for around $800 day if you can guarantee blocks... and if they aren't already booked. The Steadicam is extra... but I can get you a Varicam plus WELL-SEASONED cameraman (credentials available upon serious inquiry) for around $800/day plus expenses.
 
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